Everett: Transit Expansion
The draft Everett Transit Long Range Plan, Connecting Everett in 2045, establishes a strategic framework for a city facing a massive demographic shift. With Everett projected to reach nearly 180,000 residents by 2044, the document serves as a blueprint for integrating tens of thousands of new homes and jobs. This transformation is driven by the necessity of tripling daily ridership, a goal that fundamentally alters how future urban development and land use will be approached. By shifting focus toward a high-frequency "Growth Network," the city is signaling to developers that future density will be concentrated along key transit corridors and regional hubs.
The historical data from 2013 to 2023 provides a positive baseline for this expansion. Despite a nationwide downtrend in transit use before the pandemic, Everett Transit has seen a remarkable recovery, with ridership growing by an average of 22% annually since 2021. Recent 2024 data shows ridership already exceeding 2019 levels, particularly on frequent-service corridors like the Casino Road and East Everett routes. This proven demand suggests that future residential developments near these lines are likely to see higher occupancy and lower vacancy rates, as the community has already demonstrated a clear preference for transit-adjacent living. The proposed 25% increase in service hours further reinforces this, aiming to put 30% more households within reach of high-frequency service.
However, this growth brings significant planning challenges and potential negative impacts. The financial sustainability of the plan relies on a proposed 0.3% sales tax increase in 2030. If this measure fails to gain voter approval, the city risks a "development gap" where new high-density housing is built without the promised transit capacity, leading to increased traffic congestion and reduced quality of life. Furthermore, the shift in fleet strategy—moving from a 100% electric goal to a 50% hybrid mix due to manufacturing and resiliency hurdles—reflects a pragmatism that may disappoint sustainability advocates. While this ensures service continuity during power outages, it represents a slower transition toward the city’s long-term climate goals, potentially affecting Everett's reputation as a green-forward municipality.
On the positive side, the introduction of on-demand service zones in areas like West Mukilteo Boulevard and Valley View offers a flexible solution for "transit deserts." This allows developers to plan projects in geographically challenging areas that were previously considered unreachable by public transport. Additionally, the plan’s emphasis on safety—including increased security and upgraded lighting—directly addresses community concerns raised during outreach. These improvements make transit centers more attractive for commercial investment and public gatherings. Ultimately, the plan balances the high-growth needs of a regional hub with the practicalities of local service, though its success remains tied to the community's willingness to fund this expanded vision.